SMS, internet services suspended for 48 hrs in Tripura in view of deteriorating law & order situation

AGARTALA | Dec 10, 2019: 

In view of the deteriorating law and order situation in Tripura, the state government on Tuesday has promulgated the provision of Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, prohibiting all SMS messages, mobile internet, data service of all mobile service providers for the next 48 hours beginning from 2 pm on December 10 in the entire state of Tripura.
The suspension of the mobile services in the state came following reports of “rumours” being circulated through SMS and other social media platforms on “ethnic clashes” between the tribals and non-tribals in Manu and Kanchanpur areas.

Tripura DGP has reported that these rumours have created a violent situation in the area. “It has been noticed that SMS, whatsapp and social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and youtube are being widely used for transmission of fake images and videos as well as text messages which have potential to incite violence in the state at a larger rate,” read the notification issued by the State Additional Secretary AK Bhattacharya here today.

“Whereas, such incidents have generated serious law and order situation prevailing in the state having threat to public safety and
therefore to prevent the misuse of the social media platforms to disturb the peace and tranquility of the state and for maintaining law and order situation, the government of Tripura has directed to promulgate the notification under the provision of Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, to prohibit all SMS messages of all mobile service providers, mobile internet, data service of all mobile service providers for the next 48 hours beginning from 2 pm on December 10 in the state of Tripura.”
It further reads — This prohibition shall be applicable to press messages also and violation of this promulgation will be punishable under section 188 IPC and also under the relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.